By: Sharon Campbell
Submitted: 2012-01-21 11:54:38 | Word Count: 507
Hypertension or High blood pressure is a "soundless killer" since it does not present any symptoms at the initial stage, thereby leaving you defenseless. Let us widen up our knowledge about this condition. The blood pressure pumping to the arteries are elevated with this medical state. The arteries are essential part of the body since it is the vessel that carries blood to all the tissues and organ of the body. A blood pressure is considered normal when it is below 120/80; between 120/80 and 139/89 is considered "pre-hypertension" and above 140/90 is considered a high pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure leaves you vulnerable to heart attack, strokes and other serious heart problems.
Hypertension is often categorized into two types: Primary and secondary hypertension. Primary or essential is developed gradually over many years while secondary is cause by a primary condition such as kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, congenital blood vessel defects, medications and illegal drugs.
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There are many risk factors involving high blood pressure. Age is first on the list, the risk increase as you age; men are more prone at middle age while women are more likely to develop one after menopause. It is also run in families or hereditary. If you are obese or overweight then you are more prone to hypertension since you needed more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. The more blood circulating to your blood vessels then the more pressure it gives to your artery walls. Another factor is lack of exercise with this the higher risk of being overweight. Smoking or tobacco chewing raises your blood pressure but the chemical content of this substance is harmful to the lining of your artery walls. Other factors are too much sodium content in your diet, less potassium intake, not much vitamin D, drinking too much alcohol, stress and other chronic conditions that could complicate and lead to high blood pressure. If this medical condition is left uncontrolled then it could lead to a lot of risk. This may lead to heart attack or stroke, Aneurysm, Heart Failure, Harm the kidneys, vision loss, metabolic syndrome and trouble with memory or understanding.
What can you do to prevent this, since it does not present any signs or symptoms? What are the necessary precautions for hypertension? Regular check ups on blood pressure should be administered at least every two years starting at the age of 20. This could also be done through a health center or machines at stores that reads blood pressure. If you go to a doctor, take note of any symptoms you are experiencing, write down key personal information regarding your family history of conditions and diseases, list down all the medications you have taken and eat a balance with exercise. If you are diagnosed with it then certain medication could be given by your doctor to control this condition.
It is never too late to change your lifestyle. Be more physically active and quit those health hazardous vices such as smoking and drinking. These are your primary defense against this deadly condition.
